American Hospital Dubai has reached a new milestone by becoming the first adult Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) centre in the region to successfully perform three transplants using unrelated donors. The donor stem cells came from Germany, India, and Chile, showing the hospital’s global reach. Three more transplants are planned in the coming weeks.
The procedure used is called allogeneic stem cell transplantation, where healthy stem cells from a donor—related or unrelated—replace damaged stem cells caused by chemotherapy, radiation, or disease. This treatment can save the lives of patients with blood cancers and serious blood disorders.
Finding a suitable donor is the most important part of the process. Doctors must match human leukocyte antigens (HLA)—proteins on blood cells—to make sure the donor and patient are compatible. Family members are checked first, but many patients do not have a matching relative.
To solve this, American Hospital Dubai works with DKMS, the world’s largest bone marrow donor registry. DKMS has nearly 12 million registered donors and gives the hospital access to another 18 million donors through partner registries worldwide, increasing the chances of finding a match.
The hospital’s Bone Marrow Transplant Centre offers advanced facilities for collecting, storing, and reinfusing stem cells. Its medical team includes experts trained in Europe and the United States, supported by skilled nurses experienced in transplant care, apheresis, and cellular therapy.
Dr. Emmanouil Nikolousis, Consultant Haematologist and BMT specialist, said the success of the three unrelated donor transplants shows the strength of their international donor network. Group CEO Sherif Beshara added that the hospital is committed to providing the most advanced cancer and stem cell treatments in the UAE and the region.
Founded in 1996, American Hospital Dubai is part of the Mohammad & Obaid AlMulla Group and is known for its high-quality medical services, advanced technology, and research. It is also a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, reflecting its commitment to medical excellence.
22.10.2025.
